Magnesium Malate

Magnesium Malate: What Is It?

Did you know that people with fibromyalgia are more likely to be magnesium deficient than the general population? That’s why magnesium supplementation is a standard part of fibromyalgia pain-management regimens. While most magnesium supplements can help raise magnesium levels in the body, one form in particular, helps control the aches, pains, stiffness, and inflammation associated with the condition. Magnesium Malate is considered the clinical form for use in chronic pain conditions and chronic fatigue syndrome. Like other magnesium supplements, magnesium malate is a combination of elemental magnesium and another complex, in this case, malic acid, which is most abundant in apples (and other fruits, as well as is produced by the body). The name “malic” comes from the Latin word for apple – “malum”.

Malic acid offers very distinct benefits to health. It is crucial to the Krebs cycle, directly participating in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fatty acids to generate ATP (energy) inside the body. While the Kreb’s cycle is complex and involves a variety of metabolites, research has shown that malic acid is the only one that is prone to depletion. Fortunately, malic acid supplementation increases the amount of malate in mitochondria and boosts the energy production capacity of cells. This is why malic acid is often used to boost athletic performance and prevent post-exercise muscle fatigue.

Interestingly, because magnesium, like malic acid, is among the most crucial substances for ATP generation, combining the two multiplies the benefits; which explains why magnesium malate is a common go-to to help relieve symptoms associated with an over-excitation of the neuromuscular system, such as those commonly seen in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Who Needs Magnesium Malate?

Of all magnesium supplements, the malate form is especially well-suited to support energy metabolism, for fibromyalgia patients and ideal to relieve muscle soreness, pain, fatigue, and inflammation. Magnesium malate is also often recommended to control the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, degenerative joint conditions, as well as to enhance athletic performance.

Magnesium Malate: Potency & Formats

Potency

Magnesium malate is offered in a very wide range of potencies depending on the format. Typically supplying between 100-400mg of elemental magnesium and 400-850 mg of elemental malic acid dose. The optimal dose for you will be a function of what you are using it for.

Formats

Magnesium malate supplements are offered in capsule and tablet form, as well as in powder form. It’s also a common ingredient in complex joint health formulas.

Getting The Most Out of Your Supplement

Magnesium malate can be used as a standalone supplement to increase magnesium levels inside the body, as well as to correct a deficiency. For chronic pain, degenerative joint conditions, and other inflammatory pain conditions, magnesium malate should be combined with other nutrients such as vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, Vitamin C, and collagen, among others.

Magnesium malate can cause certain side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These are more common with higher doses. Supplementation can also interfere with certain medications such as diuretics, antibiotics, and osteoporosis medications. If you are taking medications for an existing health condition, speak to your health care provider to discuss the appropriate dose of magnesium malate for you.